Party At O’Brien’s Benefits Sammy Sullivan Charities

Sammy Sullivan Charities was started by Joe and Brenda Sullivan when their 22 month old son passed away due to an unexpected illness. A party will be held on Thursday, October 13 at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill to kick off festivities for the golf tournament they are holding the following day.

Sammy Sullivan brought joy to his family, and when he passed away at 22 months due to an unexpected illness, his parents, Joe and Brenda Sullivan, were determined to honor Sammy’s short life by starting the Sammy Sullivan Charities and honor his memory by giving comfort to others in their time of need.

In Sammy’s memory, the charity funded $400,000 to A Kids Place, a 60 bed, five home, emergency shelter for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Their pledge was to build one of the five homes which shelter abused, abandoned and neglected children. The Sammy Sullivan Home opened April 2009. The Sullivan’s goal is to raise $100,000 annually to keep the home funded.

The annual Sammy Sullivan Charities golf tournament will be held at Summerfield Golf Course, 13050 Summerfield Ave. in Riverview on Friday, October 14. For more information or to print a registration form, visit www.sammysullivancharities.org/tournament.HTML.

On Thursday, October 13, O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Sammy Sullivan Charities will host a tournament kick-off party and live auction at O’Brien’s Irish Pub starting at 6 p.m. The party will benefit Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and the Sammy Sullivan House. The event is sponsored by Aetna Insurance. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Along with the live auction, which will be held at 8 p.m., there will be over 25 raffle items ranging in value from $100 to about $300. A chest of cheer and 50/50 tickets will also be available. O’Brien’s is located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. The community is encouraged to come on out and have a good time while supporting this great charity. Please R.S.V.P. to Heide: 982-3969 or e-mail hcoffelt@sullivanbenefits.net.

Sammy’s father, Joe Sullivan said, “I think what’s important to Brenda[Sullivan’s wife} and me is to create more awareness for A Kid’s Place in Sammy’s memory, and to make the O’Brien’s function a memorable community event where all are welcome.

If you can’t make the event, but would like to donate, visit www.sammysullivancharities.org or send a check (payable to Kids Charity of Tampa Bay) to Joe Sullivan, 1105 Nikki View Dr., Brandon, FL 33511.

Michelle has been with the Osprey Observer for almost nine years, and her current position is Assignment Editor. She resides in Bloomingdale with her husband Phil, two sons, Philip and Matthew, and Tigger the cat.